David Coulthard 'totally confused' by Lewis Hamilton decision

David Coulthard has revealed that he was "totally confused" by Lewis Hamilton's staggering switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, which was announced ahead of the 2024 F1 season. 

Hamilton confirmed his move to Maranello before what turned out to be his final campaign with Mercedes, in what became a farewell year for the partnership. 

However, since moving to Ferrari, Hamilton has mostly failed to live up to expectations, having struggled to adjust to the SF-25. 

He has been slower than Charles Leclerc on a regular basis, despite having claimed sprint pole and sprint victory in Shanghai – a grand prix podium for Ferrari is yet to be achieved.

Hamilton leaving Mercedes came as a surprise to many, with most having believed that the seven-time world champion would retire as a Silver Arrows driver. 

Coulthard compared the Briton's move to Ferrari to Michael Schumacher's return to F1 with Mercedes, due to both drivers having ended strong relationships.

"I always felt that Lewis had developed a special bond and loyalty with Mercedes," Coulthard told BILD. "Therefore, I was totally confused when I heard about his switch.

"It was a bit like Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 comeback at Mercedes, after he had built up something so great with Ferrari."

Coulthard added: "At the end of the day, it's Lewis' path, his story, his book that he writes. Maybe he'll win a Grand Prix, maybe he'll win a championship - but maybe he won't."

Ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton sits sixth in the drivers' title and 23 points adrift of Leclerc; however, he is 115 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri. 

As a result, Coulthard is not expecting an eighth title for Hamilton this season.

"No, it doesn’t look like it," said the Scotsman.